The country music icon and actor will headline a Nov. 7 show at the Ryman Auditorium, across the alley from the back door at Tootsie's.

In a way, he's repaying a debt: Kristofferson stayed in a room above the bar before his career took off in the early 1970s.

Hundreds of country music's biggest stars have slipped out the back door at the Ryman to play and party at Tootsie's over the years. Artists like Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton and George Jones could be found there on Saturday nights after Grand Ole Opry performances.

Today it's one of Nashville's top tourist attractions. It was spared in last month's record flooding.